But, by the time they crossed the Azores, he knew he had to stop in London. He also knew he had to tell both Brittany and his grandmother the engagement wasnt going to happen. Hed betrayed Brittany in the most fundamental way a man could betray a woman. It wasnt that hed slept with Julia. Problem was, hed fallen in love with Julia.
Hed asked his pilot to refile the flight plan, and now they were easing onto the runaway at Heathrow.
Hed also forced himself to go over a backlog of business e-mails, composing answers while they were in the air. Once the jet was taxiing at Heathrow, he hooked up his connection and sent everything off.
There was some good news on the pipeline front. France and Turkmenistan were ready to start formal talks. Harrison would have to be in Paris for that at the end of the month. Hed also contacted a top-notch, international private investigative firm. Theyd get started on the investigation around Millions to Spares death immediately and, hopefully, have some information for the Prestons soon.
His jet stopped at the private boarding gates, and he headed down the gangway into a blustery fall evening in London. There was a limo waiting for him, and he made a few calls while half watching a news station on his way to Brittanys family home near Hyde Park.
Weve arrived, sir, the limo driver informed him as the car came to a halt.
One of the Livingstons footmen quickly opened Harrisons door, and Harrison thanked him as he got out.
Another staff member greeted him on the lighted, stone porch and offered to announced him to Brittany. The Livingstons had always lived on the formal side, even for the aristocracy, and Harrison couldnt help but contrast their lifestyle to the cozy little cabin where hed spoken with Julia just last night.
Brittany appeared almost immediately in the marble and gilded entry hall.
Harrison. She smiled politely, giving him a kiss on the cheek. How good of you to stop by.
Again, Harrisons brain brought up a contrast to Julia. If hed arrived unannounced on her doorstep at nine in the evening, shed probably ask him what the heck he wanted.
Shall we go into the parlor? Brittany offered.
I came to apologize, said Harrison as he fell into step with her. Im sorry I had to leave so suddenly.
They crossed through a set of double doors to a dark paneled room with French provincial furniture, heavy oil paintings and ornate, antique crystal chandeliers.
Brittany gestured to a burgundy upholstered chair. I understand completely, she told him.
He waited for her to sit down in the opposite chair before taking his own seat.
A butler arrived.
Would you care for a cocktail? asked Brittany. Or perhaps some tea?
Tea would be nice, said Harrison. Im time zone challenged at the moment.
Of course. She nodded to the butler, who exited the room.
Immediately a trio of maids appeared, setting out cups and spoons, sugar, cream, honey and lemon. Then another maid arrived with a tray of sweets, and yet another with a pot of tea.
Harrison waited until the little flurry had calmed down and Brittany had poured the tea.
He took a sip and nodded his appreciation. I am sorry our visit in Dubai didnt go as I had planned.
Brittanys cup rattled against the saucer.
He peered closely at her expression and realized she was nervous about something.
He had a horrible thought. Was she expecting him to propose here and now?
Harrison. She set down her cup.
What could he do?
What could he say?
He didnt want to hurt her.
Theres something I need to discuss with you, she continued.
He set down his own cup and leaned forward, relieved to have her keep talking a little while longer. Please, he invited.
This is difficult, she said, smoothing her hair back from her face.
Then she rose, and Harrison quickly rose with her.
She crossed the room and shut the parlor door. Then she turned to face him. Ive always thought we were perfect for each other.
Harrison didnt know what to say to that, but his worst fear seemed to be coming true. He truly didnt want to break Brittanys heart. She was a lovely woman.
We have so much in common, she continued. Music, art, religion, politics. And we have so many mutual friends.
He needed to shut this conversation down before she said something that would later prove embarrassing. I understand how you might-
She held up a hand to stop him. Im sorry. Please. I need to say it all.
Harrison nodded. He had no choice.
And you and I, far more than most people, understand theres still value in uniting families. A title is important. Its important socially, and it gives children so many advantages in life.
Brittany, I-
I cant marry you, Harrison.
Harrison could swear that his jaw dropped open. He was completely speechless.
I know its a foolish decision on my part.
Not foolish at all. She didnt want to marry him? Had he heard that right?
Problem is- she walked back to her chair and dropped down into it -Im in love with someone else.
It was Harrisons turn to drop into his chair. He stared at her, speechless with surprise.
She gave a little laugh. Hes a commoner. Hes an American. Hes brash and outspoken and opinionated. And hes not the least bit intimidated by my title or my family or pretty much anything for that matter.
She took a breath. For the first time in my life, Ive found someone for whom its worth defying both my family and convention. Father will rage, as you can imagine.
Harrison could well imagine. Do you need my help? he asked her.
She gave him a curious look.
With your father. Id be happy to talk to him if you think it would help.
Youre not angry?
Harrison gave her a smile. How could I be angry? He reached out and took both of her hands. It sounds like youre going to be happy.
Her eyes shimmered, and she blinked rapidly. Maybe.
Are you ready to tell me who he is?
She shook her head. Not yet. He doesnt She glanced away. He still thinks Im marrying you.
Harrison smiled at the irony. I know how that can go.
I hope we can still be friends. Her voice shook ever so slightly. And no wonder. She was about to embark on a course of action that would rattle the foundations of her family and ripple out into society across London.
Absolutely, he answered her question. He came to his feet, drawing her up with him, and pulling her into a gentle hug. I wish you nothing but happiness, he told her. And Im here for you in whatever you need. If you need to get out of London for a while. If you need anything financially. And, please, bring him to meet me as soon as you can?
Brittany gave a strange, little laugh, and it did Harrisons heart good.
He drew back and gave her hand another squeeze. Well done, Brittany. Im very proud of you.
And he was.
He was also a little disappointed in himself. Brittany was heading out on a very big limb for her love, whereas hed given up Julia without the slightest of fights.
Back at his London flat, Harrison stared out the window across the black water of the Thames. Hed picked up the phone to call Julia a dozen times. But he had to find the right words. He knew he only had one shot at this, and he wasnt about to blow it.
A knock sounded on his door, and he crossed the floor to find Alex on the porch.
What on earth are you doing in London? Last time Harrison had checked, Alex was still holding down the fort in Dubai.
I have to talk to you, Alex responded, marching into the square foyer and removing his coat, tossing it on a wall hook.
It seems to be an epidemic today, Harrison commented as he led the way into the living room. He took his favorite Windsor chair, while Alex walked to the big, bay window and stared out.
Harrison wondered if something was wrong on the pipeline deal. Funny, he couldnt bring himself to care about a financial loss right now.
After a moment, Alex turned. He reached into the breast pocket of his suit and extracted a white envelope. Im handing you my resignation.
Harrison couldnt have been more stunned if Alex had pulled out a gun and demanded the silver. Youre what?
Im resigning.
Harrison scrambled to make sense of the words. How had this happened? Why hadnt he seen it coming?
Alex took five swift steps across the room and dropped the letter on the lamp table beside Harrison.
Harrison didnt even look at the envelope. Have you lost your mind?
Alex shook his head. Ive done something that makes me unfit as your employee.
Is it serious? Can we solve it? Was it illegal?
Alex took a very deep breath. I slept with Brittany.
Harrisons jaw definitely fell open this time.
Im in love with her, Harrison. And, fair warning, Im going to fight you for her.
Harrison came to his feet, struggling to keep his expression serious. An American, Brittany had said. Brash and fearless, who didnt care what her family or anybody else thought.
You mean fisticuffs? he asked Alex. Pistols at dawn? How exactly are we going to fight?
Are you smiling? Why arent you going for my throat? I just told you I slept with your fiancée.
Shes not my fiancée.
Technical point. Youre going to marry her. He paused. For Christs sake, why are you smiling?
Because, said Harrison, deciding to put Alex out of his misery, Brittany just finished telling me she was in love with another man. And three days ago, I married Julia to get her out of the country.
Alexs expression hardened. His eyes crackled with hostility, and his skin tone turned ruddy. What other man?
Relax, said Harrison, finding it intriguing that Alex didnt even react to the Julia story. Brittany wouldnt give me a name. But Im guessing its you.
Alex drew sharply back.
She said he was a brash, outspoken American who didnt give a damn about her title. Oh, and I asked her if shed introduce me to him. I guess that explains why she laughed. She also said he still thought she was marrying me. But shes not. She broke it off with me an hour ago.
It took less than a second for Alex to react.
He turned for the door, and Harrison quickly handed him his coat, since he didnt look as if he was about to slow down for anything.
As the door slammed shut, Harrison dropped back down in his chair. Brittany was giving everything up for Alex. And Alex was willing to slay dragons for her.